Diet To Shrink Uterine Fibroids

There are several types of food items that can be consumed that will shrink the uterine fibroids. Most of them work by decreasing the estrogen levels, just as in menopause when the fibroids shrink due to naturally lowered levels of estrogen in the body. However, some foods also need to be avoided, as mentioned below.

Shrink Uterine Fibroids with Diet

Foods High in Fiber Content

Eating a diet high in fiber is a very important way with which you can combat the uterine fibroids by shrinking them. The way this helps is by decreasing the levels of estrogen in circulation by aiding the liver to metabolise and excrete some of the leftover estrogen.

Your daily intake should be about 25-30 g of fiber. Examples of such foods are fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, whole grains, brown rice, barley, seeds and nuts. Whole grains confer an added benefit because they contain lignans, which decrease the synthesis of estrogen in the body. Examples of such whole grains are wheat, buckwheat and flaxseed.

Foods Containing Phytoestrogens

It is important to eat plenty of vegetables because they contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens work by blocking the effects of estrogen on cells by binding to the same receptors that estrogen binds to. Foods containing high amounts of phytoestrogens include seeds, nuts, soy products and flaxseeds that are ground.

Soy

Soy contains not only phytoestrogens, as noted above, but also isoflavones like daidzein and genisten which bind to estrogen receptors and thus lower the action of estrogen.

Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids help by reducing the body fat and ridding the body of excess estrogen. Fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel. Omega-3 also helps by decreasing the inflammation.

Foods Low in Glycemic Index

Though the evidence is not very strong that foods high in glycemic index contribute to the formation of fibroids, it is still worth experimenting with foods that are low in glycemic index to see if they work. Such foods include legumes, vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts, some of which have been recommended above because of other reasons.

Water

Water helps by filtering and flushing the various toxins from one’s body. For this to be effective, you need to drink around 6-8 glasses of water daily. Water is also thought to play a role in alleviating some of the pain that is caused by fibroids.

Supplements

Certain substances enhance the immunity and help fight fibroid growth. Such substances include vitamins A and C, coenzyme Q10, and zinc. Certain antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium and beta-carotene are also helpful. Pancreatic enzyme, consumed between meals, is thought to dissolve the fibroids by digesting the smooth muscle and fibrous tissue of the fibroids.

Foods to Avoid

The avoidance of certain foods also helps in lowering the estrogen levels. You are well advised to decrease your intake of saturated fat, caffeine and sugar by cutting back on dairy products, coffee and meats that are not organic so as to avoid getting into contact with hormonal drugs as well as pesticides. Avoid also fast foods, junk foods, and processed foods.